...Term Paper (HUL 267) PSYCHOLOGY AND CULTURE Psychological grounds of culture: Virtually culture is a coalescence of stable discrete behavioural norms and cognitions shared by individuals within some definable proportion and that are distinct from other populations. These norms are stable and last long because these are continuously transmitted to new cultural members of the group through different means. Apparently different psychological needs and their consequences led to the creation of cultural norms. There are different perspectives; one aspect is that culture emerged to serve as a psychological buffer against existential anxiety. Another approach suggests that culture arises in part from an epistemic need for verifiable knowledge, and for certainty and confidence in our perceptions of the world around us. The creation of a shared reality, a common set of beliefs, expectations and rules for interpreting the world, helps fulfill this need to validate one’s own construction of reality. A very different perspective on the origins of culture implies that cultures and the specific norms that define these cultures emerge as unintended byproducts of interpersonal interaction. The contents of these communications and interactions are constrained by psychological considerations and thus exert consequences on culture. As social influence attends any act of communication and because individuals communicate more regularly with others who are closer to them in geographic or social...
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...HOW AN UNDERSTANDING OF PSYCHOLOGY AND/OR CULTURE CAN HELP MANAGERS THINK CLEARLY ABOUT RISK AND UNCERTAINTY By SALAMI, SIKIRU ADIO Matric No.: 129022064 BEING A TERM PAPER PRESENTED TO PROFESSOR R.O. AYORINDE PROGRAMME: MASTERS OF RISK MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT: Department of Insurance & Actuarial Science FACULTY: Business Administration University of Lagos April, 2014 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION PEOPLE’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS RISK CUTURE THEORY CHRONICLING RISK CULTURE STRENGTHENING RISK CULTURE Road Map For Continuous Cultural Improvement MEASURING CORPORATE CULTURE CULTURE PERSPECTIVE -Functionalist and interpretive view of culture ATTAINING RISK MATURITY CONCLUSION REFERENCES INTRODUCTION This paper intends to examine the influence of culture, and psychology of human behaviour on the appreciation of risk and uncertainty. In other words, the paper seeks to provide managers with the proper tools to develop sound responses to risk based on objective analysis of facts in lieu of distorted cultural biases and shallow psychological influences. Effort would be made to chronicle how our responses to risk are often influenced by heuristic biases, psychometric paradigms, and emotional literacy. These influences form the attitudes that become mental hurdles to approaching risk objectively and proactively. Risk in general terms is the possibility of deviation from expectations. Risk covers the entire spectrum of known and unknown possibilities...
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...Cross-Cultural Psychology Paper Aspectsof Culture in PsychologyCultural context is a major element in understanding human behavior and psychology. Berger (2011) explains, “Culture affects every action—indeed, every thought” (p. 13). The culture that an individual lives in along with the similarities and differences between cultures provide vital information in understanding psychological processes. Cultural Psychology Cultural context is not separable from the person; it is a vital part of individual psychopathology. Shiraev and Levy (2010) explain that cultural psychology studies the individual within a specific culture. The cultural psychologist seeks out meaningful links between a specific culture and the individual in that culture. The cultural psychologist examines the individual in a cultural norm. Cultural Influences on the Individual According to Shiraev and Levy (2010), “Before reaching adulthood, most of us do not choose a place to live or a language to speak” (p. 2). These cultural elements influence many aspects of human developmental processes. From the moment of birth, cultural elements play an important role in human development, development of personality, and individual psychological aspects. It is impossible to separate human behavior from cultural experiences because cultural exposure forms individual value systems,belief systems, and knowledge bases for each individual within any specific culture. The goal of cultural psychologists is to study cultures and...
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...The Nature of Relationships in Different Cultures Hofstede defined culture as “the collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one group from another”. From research analysis Hofstede was able to classify the different countries on a continuum from extremely individualistic to extremely collectivist. Relationships in individualistic and collectivist societies differ in the degree to which they are voluntary or non-voluntary. Individualistic societies generally have a high degree of social & geographical mobility, allowing frequent interaction with a large number of people and thus a greater choice in romantic relationships. Collectivist societies have less social and geographical mobility thus people have less choice about whom they interact with. Also, Interactions with strangers are rare and are often tied to other factors such as family or economic resources. Cultures also differ in the degree to which relationships reflect the interests of the individual or the family. In individualistic societies, individual interests are deemed more important & romantic relationships are more likely to be formed on the basis of love & attraction. Also, relationships tend to be short-term as one can end the relationship if one is unhappy whereas In collectivist cultures, relationships are more likely to reflect the interests of the entire family and are long-term. This is because, one cannot end the relationship despite being unhappy because they need to...
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...Cross-Cultural Psychology Samantha Mortinsen 9/18/2011 Psy/450 Dorothy Rodwell Cross-Cultural Psychology Culture, we all have grown up knowing one, or at times more than one, kind of culture. Everyone has different beliefs and ways of doing things and this usually has to do with our culture and the way we have been raised and brought up. This type of psychology looks into these many different cultures and studies how they affect us as humans and our development, mental processes, and behavior. Cultural psychology is a field in psychology that assumes that the idea that culture and mind are inseparable and that psychological theories in one culture are likely to be limited in applicability when applied to different cultures. Cross-cultural psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes, under diverse cultural conditions. Both of these types of psychology have similarities but are different in their own ways. Cultural psychology focuses a lot on just one culture at a time and the people within that culture, whereas, cross-cultural psychology looks at different cultures and compares them to each other and then to people within each culture. Both types of psychology are important in studying humans and their behavior and thought processes. The focus of cultures is important to psychology because it helps psychologists see how individuals have been raised and what things might play a part on their behavior and thoughts due to the things that happen...
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...Cross-Cultural Psychology Stephanie Sorrell Psychology 450 February 24, 2014 Dr. Jenne Meyer Cross-Cultural Psychology Introduction Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior. There are many different branches and fields of psychology. The field of psychology that will be discussed within this paper is called cross-cultural psychology. Cultural psychology will also be discussed. To begin these types of psychology will be defined and the so the differences and similarities between the two will also be discussed. In order to fully grasp an understanding of cultural and cross-cultural psychology, the role of critical thinking within this scientific study as well as the methodology used in this field of psychology will also be discussed. In the conclusion of this paper, a deep understanding of cultural psychology and cross-cultural psychology should be attained. This is yet another way in which people can attempt to understand why people, specifically groups of people, act the way they act, uphold certain traditions that they uphold and maintain certain customs that each culture has. It is only when a full knowledge of all similarities and differences amongst human beings is attained, that we can learn to work together as one for better of this world that we call home. Cultural Psychology In order to define cultural psychology, a definition of culture must first be stated. Culture is defined by the attitudes, behaviors, and symbols shared among a large group...
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...Cross Cultural Psychology Patrice Jones PSY/450 May 7, 2010 Joseph Gaines Introduction to Cross Cultural Psychology Cultural and cross cultural psychology is the field or branch of psychology the focuses primarily on culture, and the effects culture has on the mind and behavior. Culture is the symbols, attitudes, and behaviors shared by a group of people and passed on to the next generation. Culture affects how an individual thinks and in turn affects an individual’s behavior. Cultural psychology focuses on how culture affects an individual’s mental processes and behavior within that culture. Cross cultural psychology compares at least two cultures to see how culture affects an individual’s mental processes and behavior. Cross cultural psychology not only focuses on the differences between cultures, but also on the similarities and the reasons for these differences or similarities. Cultural psychology focuses on the effects culture has on an individual’s mental processes and behavior within that culture. Cultural psychologists try to find out as much about a particular culture, and how that culture affects the individual’s that lives there. Cultural psychologists can have a better understanding of a behavior when viewed in its sociocultural context. Cross cultural psychology compares two or more cultures to determine how culture affects an individual’s mental processes and behavior. Cross cultural psychology does not focus on only one culture at a time, and...
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...cross-cultural psychology In each society there are different beliefs, when it comes to psychological disorders many cultural believe that disorders can be caused by demons that have taken over there mind and body. To obtain a better understanding of how different cultural view psychology this paper will define cultural and cross-cultural beliefs. The next step will be to analyze the relationship between cultural and cross cultural psychology this leads to the discussion of the role of critical thinking in cross- cultural psychology. Last the paper will discuss the methodology associated with cross-cultural research. Define cultural and cross-cultural psychology Each human does not get to choice the cultural that they will be placed in. From birth to adulthood the culture that we learn and live in is chosen for us by our caregivers. Culture is defined as a set of behaviors, symbols, and attitudes that are shared among a large group of people and this is usually been passed down from one generation to the next (Shiraev & Levy, 2010). The behaviors that are learned can be customs, traditions, habits, and fashions. Symbols are a form of material objects (Shiraev & Levy, 2010). Attitudes are beliefs that include political, religious, moral views and can include opinions, superstitions, and stereotypes (Shiraev & Levy, 2010). Although some cultures may have some attributes that are similar there are no two cultures that are the same. This is why it is important in psychology to have...
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...Introduction to Cross-Cultural Psychology Paper Yekaterina Tarkovsky PSY/450 Diversity and Cultural Factors in Psychology Stephen Northam / Professor November 23, 2015 The author of this paper would like to share the results of the study performed on the effects of cognitive appraisals of communication competence in conflict interactions. This study involves both Chinese and Western cultures. The researchers were investigating how differently people from both of these cultures perceive competence, appropriateness, and effectiveness of another party’s communication during conflict. At first, there was a pilot study which had thirty employees in Singapore. They were examining appraisals of communication competence in recalled intercultural conflict incidents. The competence of others was judged by western expatriates. They were determining whether the style of communication itself was direct as well as engaged. This was deemed to be judgements of effectiveness. The competence on interactional skills as well as knowledge on culture was judged by host-nationals. This was deemed to be judgments of appropriateness. The quasi-experimental study followed the pilot study. In this study, two parties comprising of university students. One party had one hundred twenty eight Australian students and the other one had on hundred eight Chinese students. The results of this study had showed that students from Australia discriminated between four different types of conflict styles more...
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...A Look into Cross-Cultural Psychology Amy Stoffel Psych 450/Diversity and Cultural Factors in Psychology December 6, 2011 Cheri Meadowlark A Look into Cross-Cultural Psychology Culture is a significant factor for any psychologist to consider when interacting with a client. However, for those psychologists in the field of cross-cultural psychology understanding culture is essential. Understanding the basis of cultural psychology and cross-cultural psychology as well as the relationship between the two psychologies is necessary in this field. Additionally, key concepts such as multiculturalism, the methodology connected with the research, and the role of critical thinking are important in understanding cross-cultural psychology as a discipline. Cross-Cultural Psychology versus Cultural Psychology Cross-cultural psychology is a relatively new field of psychology rooted in Europe but developed primarily in the United States. This branch of psychology is an international discipline that includes other disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, history, physiology, and political science. The main focus of cross-cultural psychology is how cultural factors influence people’s behaviors, emotions, thoughts, and motivations. Cross-cultural psychology is considered the critical and comparative study of cultural effects on human psychology. In cross-cultural psychology both the similarities and differences of people in various cultures are compared [ (Levy & Shiraev...
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...cross-cultural psychology is a means for identifying and comprehending what is similar and different as far as individual’s behavior, thoughts, emotions, and motivations across cultures (Shiraev & Levy, 2010). Cross-cultural psychology extends the ability of connecting with other individuals through a vast admiration and knowledge. To have a clear understanding of cross-cultural psychology, one must possess knowledge and a definition of cultural and cross-cultural psychology and examine their relationship. Also, in cross-cultural psychology it is of importance is to understand critical thinking’s role and the methodology of cross-cultural research. Definitions of Cultural and Cross-Cultural Psychology Cultural Psychology To understand cultural psychology, one must understand its definition. Therefore, it pursues discovering consequential links among the psychology of individuals and their culture. This is a systematic relationship between psychological and cultural variables (Shiraev & Levy, 2010). Cultural psychology’s key message is that the behavior of humans only has meaning in a sociocultural context where such behavior takes place. Its key focus is studying how, whether, and when individuals have the tendency of internalizing the qualities of his or her culture (Shiraev & Levy, 2010). Cultural psychology also takes a stand as for advocating the notion that an individual’s mental processes, which are the result of an individual’s interaction with his or her culture. ...
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...Cross Cultural Psychology Christina Williams Psychology 450 Glorivy Arce November 14, 2010 Abstract This paper will attempt to analyze cross-cultural and cultural psychology. It will examine the relationship between both, discuss the role of critical thinking in cross- cultural psychology, and discuss the methodology associated with cross-cultural research. Culture is a full range of behavior patterns (N.A. 2010, p. 1). Culture can be distinguished by a set of beliefs and attitudes from a given generation (Shiraev, & Levy 2010, p. 2). It is a way of life passed down from generation to generation. Cross-cultural psychology deals with the culture and human behavior. In today’s society cross-cultural psychologists investigate how culture affects individuals everywhere. Cross Cultural Psychology Cultural and Cross- Cultural Psychology “Culture is a set of attitudes, behaviors and symbols shared by a large group of people and usually communicated from one generation to the next (Shiraev & Levy, 2010p2). Before reaching adulthood individuals learn how to understand their environment according to his parents.” Culture is a full range of learned behavior patterns”(N.A., 2010, p .1). We notice individuals of African, Japanese, Italian descent; individuals are referring to the customs and ideals that their parents used. It has become a way of life passed down from generation to generation. “ in most cases, those who share your culture do so because they acquired it...
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...Cross-Culture Psychology Paper Character made of individual characteristics as well as different personal traits; culture has a unique set of behaviors, symbols, and attitudes that are held by a group of certain individuals and is usually passed down from generation to generation. (Feist & Feist, 2006; Shiraevv& Levy, 2010) Cultures are more than a group made up of individuals who are simply different from another group. Culture is made of up many things; the subsidiary individuals, genetically transmitted traits, language, tradition, religion, food, clothing, tattoos, and so much more. Martin-Santana and Beerli-Palacio (2008) proposed an advertising campaign that included cyclical effect on culture; such as reinforcing cultural norms. The problem with this was there was no base to it; not religion or society. All it contained was the cultural background: Eastern, Western, African, and so on but culture is not that simple to show in a commercial. The study of Cross- Culture is explained “…the critical and comparative study of cultural effects on human psychology.” (Shiraevv & Levy 2010, pg. 2) With most definitions this can be seen as non-specific and vague. Cross- Cultural psychology is concern is in the comparison of two or more cultures by critical evaluation on a psychological view- point. The comparison can include the connection between social norms and behavior, how human activity may be influences by culture, and interrelated effects of socio- cultural forces...
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...Introduction to Cross-Cultural Psychology University of Phoenix Introduction to Cross-Cultural Psychology Culture plays an important part in one’s life as it relates to the field of psychology. Culture enables one to define him or herself and differ from one to another, and helps one survive. Culture facilitates self-expression, through language, appearance, and behavior. Culture exists everywhere and is a product of one’s environment. The significance of culture and its influence by oneself and others will be explained in this paper. In addition, the role of critical thinking in cross-cultural psychology and the scientific method involved with cross-cultural research will be addressed, and defined. Definition of Cultural and Cross-Cultural Psychology Culture is learned, passed down, from generation to generation and strongly influences individual behavior. It is an existing element in one’s environment, shaped by oneself and many others. Culture either shapes or influences one and is what makes one human. Psychology is the study of human behavior and performance; therefore, it is vital that the cultural and cross-cultural aspects are considered in determining the cause of one’s actions. Behavior is affected by sources both biological and environmental in nature but these do not entirely explain human behavior. There must be an acknowledgement of the social-cultural...
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...Culture is something that both unites and segregates individuals of the human race. I have always found different cultures to be interesting and have enjoyed meeting people from other ethnic backgrounds. Coming to a new country that did not understand nor fully accept the culture that I brought with me was not an easy adjustment. I always felt a bit lost and misunderstood, never really being able to celebrate my Punjabi heritage or the American culture. Holidays were especially hard because my family did not understand the traditional American holidays and we didn’t have an outlet to celebrate the holidays we did for the first 8 years of my life. It was hard finding a healthy balance. This all helped me to better understand culture in general. But, what is culture? More importantly what is its relationship to psychology? Culture is defined as a group of characteristics, behaviors, attitudes, values and customs that are particular to a group of people. “Behaviors must be judged according to cultural rules and ideologies or the judgment has no basis in the reality embraced by the culture” (Solomon, Greenberg, & Pyszczynski, 1991). Cultural Psychology deals with specific location, perceptive and beliefs of a culture that one has been raised in or is accustomed to. Cultural psychology looks at how factors of culture influence a person’s behavior. Cross Cultural Psychology, according to ‘Introduction to cross-cultural psychology’, “is the scientific study of human behavior and...
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